October 15, 2014

Tracfone MOTO E (XT830C) - Now Available!

Tracfone Moto E Android Smartphone is Available!

This post provides details and specs for the Moto E XT830C which is has recently become available for use with Tracfone We will continue to update as more information arrives.

Moto E for Tracfone Now Available

Tracfone continues to (slowly) release new Android powered smartphones to add to their offering of prepaid mobile devices and the Moto E from Motorola is the latest announcement. Tracfone is a low cost prepaid cell phone service provider with a variety of both regular phones and smartphones.

The Motorola XT830C, which is more commonly referred to as simply the Moto E, is a powerful little smartphone running Android 4.4 and giving users a 4.3" touchscreen.

UPDATE: The Moto E is now available from several sources, including eBay, and Target stores. See below for links to the phone.

The Moto E comes from a small family of three phones produced by Motorola and is the lowest cost. The higher end Moto X, and extremely popular mid-level Moto G fill out this selection of highly rated phones. While there are some reports of the Moto G working with Tracfone BYOP, it is anything but easy or certain, so the Moto E may be the next best thing for many Tracfone customers.

The Samsung Galaxy Ace Style (not yet released) and the LG Optimus Fuel (available) are the two previous new phones to come to Tracfone. Each have upgrades that other Tracfone Androids don't have, but they still don't have everything consumers are looking for. Perhaps with the Moto E, and two other smartphones new to Tracfone, users will find a mobile device that fits their needs.

Along with the newly released Moto E, there are two more exciting phones currently available. The LG L41C Ultimate 2 and Alcatel A564C which each sport screens larger than 4.5" inches (more information on these phones available at the links above!). Many Tracfone users have been hoping for Android devices with screens larger than 4", so these phones are very exciting to hear about.

Let's take a closer look at what the Moto E offers, including some of the important specifications.

Tracfone Moto E Specifications and What to Expect

The Moto E is better than some of Tracfones other smartphones like the LG Optimus Dynamic II and LG Optimus Fuel in several areas. (But each phone has certain strengths and weaknesses). The two biggest features for the Moto E that set it apart are the 4.3" screen, and 1GB of RAM.

Below is the full list of features and specs for the Moto E:

Tracfone Moto E

Android 4.4

3G on Verizon CDMA Networks

WiFi

5MP Rear Camera

Micro USB 2.0 port

3.5mm Headphones

4GB Micro SD Card

Bluetooth

GPS

FM Radio

Handsfree Speaker, MMS, Alarm clock

MP3 Player, Proximity Sensor

Call Waiting, Caller ID, Voice Dialing

Triple Minutes for Life

Moto E Specs and Features:

Size: 4.91" x 2.55" x 0.48"

4.3" qHD Touchscreen at 256ppi (540x960) and Gorilla Glass 3

1.2 Ghz Dual-core processor

1 GB RAM

4 GB Internal Memory, up to 32 GB External MicroSD slot

Weight: 5 ounces

1980 mAh battery with 16.5 hrs talk time/30 days standby

Some of you might be very excited for the opportunity to have a Tracfone Smartphone with a dual-core processor and 1 GB of RAM. The Moto E is expected to be a great overall smartphone with its solid features and specs. And because it was made in partnership with Google, it will likely continue to be updated with the latest Android OS.

We could go on about the 4.3" screen, 1.2 Ghz processor, and all the other specs, but you probably get the idea that the Moto E comes with many features that beat Tracfone's other smartphones. However, the lack of a front facing camera (which the Alcatel Onetouch and LG Ultimate 2 both have, is a bit disappointing).

But let's move on and look at where the newly released Moto E might even be available.

A quick note, as one visitor mentioned in the comments, the Moto E doesn't have a front facing camera, nor flash, and the battery cannot be removed. These are some cons for the phone worth being aware of.

The retail price for an unlocked Moto E is about $120 and the Tracfone Moto E for is available for a little less, but may still eventually be listed on the Tracfone website for $120.

We will keep you updated with the latest information on the Moto E. As soon as we find it available we will update this page. Stay even more up to date by following us on Facebook where we share lots of information on the latest Tracfone devices, as well as Tracfone Promo Codes!

If you're looking for a new phone, be sure to visit our Cell Phone reviews page where we have a list of all our reviews of Tracfone cell phones.

You might also find our Guide to the Tracfone Family Value Plan useful because it shares all the details on how to put your whole family on a monthly no-contract Tracfone plan! (And all for less than $10 per phone!)

Thanks for visiting, and leave a comment with your thoughts or questions about this phone!

72 comments
:

Peppa_pot
said...

I have noticed a trend from Tracfone since they have been offering android phones. There is always an android Tracfone offered on HSN around Thanksgiving time. It could be the LG Fuel this time around, but I'm betting it will be the Moto E.

Yeah, cause the screen has pretty good res.and is of a good size for a "phone" the new moto's will go to 5" screens, kinda gettin a bit too big for just phone use. But than texting should be easier as the keyboard should match the screen, if your into that more.

The G lte (new model) will,have the better features, but as usual it won't be for TF :(

I'd like to see the LG Volt show up on TF myself :), but that's another pipe dream.

Face it, TF figures the people that use their service are the low class, smirks, the contract crowd 24/7/365 texters/phoners/webbers are the preferred crowd Its a wonder they even added a few "Android" smartphones at all.

But as time goes on, these things will be like the PC craze, they will,just keep getting faster and more useable by all, I suspect the old java based dumbphones will be gone not to far from now. I just picked up a 306G and its good enough for me for now :) :)

Problem with these LG phones is will or will they not they get Android 5.0/Lollipop. LG has so far said little and what they have said is not reassuring. If you're going to buy a new phone you will want Android 5.0, and Moto E will get that for certain. So time will tell with the LG phones.

"As for other manufacturers? Well, don't hold your breath. LG tells TechRadar that it has nothing to say on "if / when" Lollipop will reach the G3, let alone older gear. The upgrade is likely coming, but the statement is far from reassuring. "

Android is a operating system, and as such should be "update able/upgradeable as any other software, (it could be like a download from MS.for windows)

The consumer should have the option to do it every time a new OS comes out, if the phone hardware is capable or the consumer wants to do it.If there is a small cost involved so be it,the cost should be very minimal, since your already paying for time as it is to use the item.

The ability for updates should be available to any software , to keep said product up to date and useable for newer apps.

Just my opinion, as for now I use a java based 306G, don't use a cell enough, but probably will in time. ps got my eye on the Volt :)

Wow. That was quick. Its nice to see all these options available for tracfone, but I just purchased the optimus II and it has not even been a year. I hope I don't get into a habit of upgrading my phone every year. Hopefully the Moto E fits the bill despite the 4.3 inch screen which is a bit much but might be a better alternative than the fuel at 3.5 inches.

I also plan on buying the Asus smart watch so I have to upgrade to 4.4.2 or better.

i found it at target too today, didnt realize it was already out, hope i can get one online with a one year card for not too much over $100 like the ultimate 2 for $129 on qvc with the one year card then it is a sweet deal not so much if you pay $119.99 plus tax just for the phone

The Moto E does have an SD card slot. I think you're confused since the first gen Moto G(2013) and the Moto X both don't have SD card slots. The second gen Moto G(2014) does have an SD card slot however. I think Motorola made a mistake, they realize expandable memory were popular.

Yes they will work on any region/state in the US that uses Verizon's CDMA towers. Make sure you have Verizon CDMA coverage in your area in order for your phone to work or else you'll be out of luck. You must note that all Tracfone Android phones uses Verizon CDMA instead of AT&T or T-Mobile's GSM.

It will work in any region/state in the US that has Verizon CDMA coverage. You must note that all Tracfone Android phones will only work on Verizon CDMA towers. If you don't have coverage in your area then you're out of luck.

I have a four year old LG500g with over 4,000 minutes and one year of remaining service. Does anyone know if I will be able to transfer my phone number, all of those minutes and service time to the Moto E?

By the way, I need some advice. I currently have the zte valet and want to upgrade sometime in the future. Should I get lg fuel, alcatel onetouch pop icon, lg ultimate 2, or moto e? I want a phone that is fast and can run 8 apps or so. Thanks any help appreciated!

You should be able to. But I don't know because the phone you have is a feature phone and the Moto E is an android phone. They use different pools for your minutes. I would email tracfone before you do anything. Hope it helps.

Personally, I no longer consider the LG fuel as an option unless you are comfortable with the size of your valet but are looking for an upgrade in performance. Plus the Fuel still has a 3mp camera and the 3mp camera on the 39c is awful. The Centura has a better camera.

The LG Ultimate and Alcatel are the premier phones amongst the options you listed. The main advantage they have over the Moto E is the camera, but those advantages are in the options. Both have front facing cameras, auto focus and flash which the Moto E does not, but it doesn't mean that equals better quality photos. Just more options.

My personal choice is the Moto E because it's closer in size to the 39c and it has a radio, but overall I think most people would agree the Ultimate 2 or Alcatel are the best of the bunch. You can't go wrong with either. The Alcatel is like a tablet/phone which is too big for my liking. There are enough reviews on Amazon to help you make a choice.

transferred minutes from a lg840 took about 45 minutes had 665 minutes on LG so got 665 minutes 600 text and 600 data plus for some reason new phone added one year service plus the two years on the LG also note the E had free shipping added the minutes that came with the phone after everything was transferred No problems at all.

Dude, I envy you. I remember when I went from the 840g to the Centura. I was like a kid in a candy store. I was so obsessed I got into a fender bender in PA because I was busy looking at the navigation on the phone which was not mounted. I'm going to pick up my Moto E from shopcell in a week or so. There are cheaper Moto E's available on ebay, but the max is probably a $20 dollar difference and the extra 1200 minutes (400 min card) would cost you a minimum 80 bucks so it's a heck of a deal.

Anyway, enjoy and don't make the mistake I made and "obsess over the options on your smart phone" while driving.

The issue is that unlike the Windows structure with device drivers, Android needs to be customized for each specific phone by the phone manufacture.

To stay up to date with the Android OS, you need to either:Buy a new phone each time a new OS comes outUse third party builds that risk not working with your carrierOr, learn enough coding skills to be able to customize the new version of the OS for your phone.

beware that the moto e is a fixed focus camera so no bar code readers will work also does not have front facing camera so no selfie. .that's the only two drawbacks that I see And since I don't need or use them I'm very happy with the phone.

would like to add phones from ShopCellDeals website. has no tax at least in FL.or shipping charges and like seem to have the tracfones before any one else including the tracfone web site plus they are super fast on delivery. I buy minutes & phones from them never more then 3 days on delivery .Did return one phone and got the refund same day even before the phone was mailed. Yes I do like the company.

Actually the 5mp rear camera works justfine for selfies - fyiThe moto e also allows encryption for those who need it. About an hour is needed to set it up, and it's included as an option with the phone.

Can you set this up for wi-fi use only? I just received mine, and I want to try it out before transferring my number to it, and it won't get past an "activation" routine that fails and tells me to contact TF.

Actually, I have an app called QR Code Reader on my LG L39C that works great reading bar codes and QR codes - and the L39C has just a 3 MP fixed focus camera. I'm hoping the Moto E with a 5 MP camera works at least as well.

The Moto E works fine in wi-fi only mode. Just keep hitting the (virtual) return button until you get to the Home screen. Until you activate the phone by calling TF, you will have to repeat this routine each time you power up.

I got a Moto e. I am very impressed with it's all around quality. It is a very well made phone. The reception and call clarity is excellent. I had a ZTE Vallet and enjoyed it somewhat but the overall quality was poor. The Verizon signal in my area is weak. The ZTE call clarity was poor but the Moto e makes clear calls using the same signal. The ZTE had weak Wifi reception. The Wifi receiver on the Moto e is excellent. The Moto e has corning gorilla glass on the screen. Very good looking screen. It also repels fingerprints. It has noise cancelling calling only found on more expensive phones. Some folks have expressed concern about the low internal memory. You will have about 2 gigs for apps. I loaded 12 moderate sized apps and still have 1.3 gigs free internal space. I was able to put some app data on a SD card. The Moto e also comes preloaded with many of the most useful apps. The 5mp camera will take excellent photos in well lit situations. Photos look yellowish in low light. I like the 4.3 inch screen size but ideally a little bigger might be nice. The Moto e is a high quality smartphone! Its performance exceeds its technical specs. I really enjoy using it. Tracfone finally offers a phone that you can be proud to own.

Yes you can transfer minutes from a feature phone to an android phone with no trouble at all. I did it with my LG 840g to a ZTE Vallet. I had 1000 minute that turned into 1000 call minutes, plus 1000 texts, and 1000mb of data.

By the way don't get a ZTE Vallet. Go straight to the Moto e. You will love it IMO!

I also just bought the Moto E and 400 minute 1 year refill card. I will transfer the phone number and airtime from my LG840G to the Moto E. Is there any reason why I shouldn't add the airtime to my old LG phone first and pick up 250 bonus minutes and then activate the new Moto E phone and trasnfer the phone number and airtime? ( I read that Tracfone does accept promo codes on the the Android phones.)

Yes, use the card on your LG840G before transferring your number to the Moto E. That way you get 250 extra minutes + 250 extra texts + 250 MB of data when you transfer balances to the new phone. TF bonus codes do NOT work on Android phones.

You are incorrect i have the xt830c and have no issues with either ... put exposure into manual setting please review your phone documents before being disappointedthat's an operator error not phone error

A little LG flip phone Tracfone is always in my pocket. I 'd like to acquire a Tracfone Smart Phone for occasional use while traveling. Is it possible to have the Smart Phone use the same telephone number as the flip phone?

Yes, you can transfer your phone number and remaining minutes to a new tracfone smartphone. The process is easy and can be done on their website under Activate/reactivate tab or by calling them. Plus side is you will have triple talk, text, and data on your smartphone. FYI...You will not be able to use promo codes on smartphone when buying more minutes.

I recently went from an old but trusty LG 420G to a Moto E Tracfone because the 420 (now obsolete) was failing slowly in a variety of small ways. I cannot say I'm impressed with the MOTO E. Signal strength reception of this CDMA phone is definitely less than the older GSM phone. The camera while having more pixels does not have auto focus features and does not have a flash or lighting compensation. If you are not careful to limit data to WiFi only it's a data hog. I find myself worrying about damaging the phone instead of just throwing it in my pocket or canoe dry bag like I could with the old flip phone. The Android comes with a nice viewing screen but that comes at the price of plenty of annoying pop-ups with most "free" apps. My advice. If you are considering a change-over simply to modernize your phone and if you use it as a phone not a mobile-for-everything reception device, get another low-cost GSM flip phone. Don't worry, you'll be happy!

This is my first smartphone, and after my first 5 days of us, I like it. I've used Tracfone dumb phones for years, but always wished I had a cell connection for important emails, weather checking, and web page access. I'm not in to heavy smartphone uses/needs, but do like the occasional cell access. I normally carry my iPod Touch 5G to use where ever I can get free WiFi, but it relies only on WiFi. I'm already thinking I can replace my iPod with the Moto E for my uses. I like the fact that the Moto E is the same size as my iPod, since I always like to carry it in my shirt pocket. I paid $50 for the Moto E on Amazon, and bought a nice rubberized case and screen protector for another $10. My iPod has a nice camera with great focusing and a flash, but I rarely use it. I prefer a small "real" camera with more capabilities and quality results. The Moto E camera cannot focus very closely, but I did find a partial work around if anyone is interested. See this link; http://androidbuzzed.blogspot.in/2015/06/how-to-get-auto-focus-on-1st-generation.html

I have the NEW Moto G 3 gen ( Amazon) and I got a sim card from TF for BYOP and transfered all my min, text, data from my LG Ultimate 2. No problems at all. Did it all online in less than an hour. I will never buy another TF when you can BYOP to TF, it is BEST of both worlds!!! TF phones are too far behind everyone else. 4G LTE speed is unbelievable!!!!!! If you want a SMART phone, buy a real one. If you just want to talk and text, buy a TF. My 2 cents :)

Update. This phone is no longer offered in our service area which in itself may be telling. I have found it so useless as to rarely use it any more. I'm very seriously considering returning to a good 'ol flip phone. Gush all you want about bells and whistles as far as I'm concerned this is an expensive paperweight!

I just ordered a GSM unlocked Moto G 1540XT. I'm worried it may not activate. Do you have any further advice on using Moto G as Tracfone. Your above post is dated Sept 2, 2015. Would you just tell me to go for it based on your last positive post re MotoG? Or would you say otherwise based on your most recent experiences? I'm very interested in our advice. Tx. Bob

I bought a Tracfone Moto E at the end of last year. I have had a Tracfone for over 16 years along with my same number. I have upgraded my phone several times. I just recently wanted to upgrade to the Moto E with my same number but I haven't been successful. I was told 24 hrs, then 48 hrs, then 72 hrs...then told I might not be able to have my number after all. I immediately stopped the transfer after 60 hrs of waiting and still have my old phone and number. I am highly disappointed in tracfone because it is one of their phones. I spent $75 for the phone & was looking forward to using the Moto E. Really disappointed in Tracfone's tech support.